Royal Botanical Gardens

We usually really like living without a car but there are a few things that are just a bit more difficult without one, such as grocery shopping and getting out of the city.  So, another reason we love to have Grandma visit is...drum roll please...she brings her car!

One day we piled in her car and drove to Burlington to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.  The outside gardens were still completely empty but inside they had a great feature called "Savage Garden, Nature's Ninjas."  It was all about carnivorous plants and animals with interesting defense mechanisms.

They had gigantic sculptures of three different carnivorous plants, so the kids could really see and understand what each one does.  Above, Helena is practicing the instant clamping of a Venus flytrap.

It was awesome.  The myth that chameleons change color to match their surroundings was debunked.  NO chameleons do this.  They actually change color to send messages to other chameleons.

We saw a 7 foot python eat a dead rat.  It was gross yet amazing.

Then, after the show, the animal instructor told us he was there all day, so if we wanted to see any of the animals up close or even touch them, just let him know.  What a treat.  Here's Helena checking out the caiman, which ended up being her favorite animal to touch.

Helena & Grandma's selfie

Thanks so much for taking us to Burlington, Grandma!  We're definitely willing and wanting to go back again with you when the gardens are in bloom.